SpeedFactory 426 Charger Again Sets World Record Quarter Mile Time for Chrysler LX/LC Platform Vehicles
Atlanta, GA, January 27, 2010 – On January 23, 2010, SpeedFactory’s 426 Charger completed the quarter mile in 9.453 seconds with a trap speed of 145.38 mph at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Georgia. According to records kept by the LXForums.com moderators, SpeedFactory bested all previous quarter mile times set by actual production LX/LC-platform cars-modern Dodge Chargers, Challengers, Magnums and Chrysler 300Cs. SpeedFactory driver Eddie Rosa piloted the Charger.
SpeedFactory, in collaboration with partners Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Vortech Superchargers and Paramount Performance, built this car from a 2006 Dodge Charger platform utilizing a unique combination of heavily modified stock components. The SpeedFactory R&D (Research and Development) Charger is a test platform for high horsepower technology destined to power SpeedFactory’s production vehicles.
A GEN III 426 HEMI stroker motor is boosted by a Vortech centrifugal-style V-7 YSi-trim supercharger and is controlled through factory electronics, producing over 900 HP. The car retains modified factory components: transmission, IRS differential with 1000HP half shafts, suspension and shocks. A curb weight of 3,750 pounds was achieved by removing the interior.
“We are all very proud of this achievement, which showcases our continued commitment to the development of our brand and ultimately carries over into our customers’ vehicles,” said Mark Brucks, general manager, SpeedFactory. “With the introduction of the Drag Pack Challengers, we knew that records would be broken, and to achieve this with a modified stock vehicle that still utilizes the factory components makes this even more exciting to us and our partners. We believe there is more that can be done to produce even faster times.”
AF Corse presenting 2010 programme. Fisichella and Alesi on the track with F430 GTC
Maranello, 3 February 2010 – Today the AF Corse team presented its motorsport programme for 2010, concentrated on its participation in the international Le Mans Series. Like over the last years the team from Piacenza will use the F430 GTC, the Berlinetta from the Prancing Horse, which has been extremely successful in the world of Granturismo competitions.
This year Amato Ferrari chose a group of very interesting drivers. Next to the successful ‘veterans’ Gianmaria Bruni and Toni Vilander there will be two new drivers from Argentina, Luis Perez Companc and Matias Russo, and a Brazilian, who is already well known in the world of GT motorsports, Jaime Melo. But there are two more names, well known to the fans of Ferrari: Giancarlo Fisichella and Jean Alesi.
Three cars will be started into the LMS: one driven by the two Ferraristi and supported by Vilander, one by the two Argentinians and one by Melo and Bruni.
So Fisichella will not only be the third driver of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, but also make an experience in the world of Granturismo racing, something he was still missing in his CV. “I’m very happy that I can participate in the AF Corse’s programme and I hope that I can give back the trust they have in me,” the Roman driver said. “Obviously I would have taken the opportunity to race in the Formula, if it had been under the right circumstances, but it didn’t happen. I’m happy to be part of the Ferrari family as a third driver. I can’t wait to test the F430 GTC to get ready for the debut at Paul Ricard on 11 April.”
“Coming back to racing in a Ferrari after many years is not just a great pleasure, but especially a great honour,” Jean Alesi said. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a car I already tested in Fiorano a couple of months ago. I want to thank Amato Ferrari for the opportunity and I hope I can deliver some great show to our fans.”
2011 Volvo S60
The all-new Volvo S60 makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday 2 March 2010. It launches into one of the automotive world’s most competitive segments backed by an elegant new coupé-like design, dynamic driving characteristics and ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection safety technology.
In its overall shape, the all-new Volvo S60 is a coupé; sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo. In its design, it promises excellent driving characteristics, even before you get behind the wheel. To deliver the highest levels of driving enjoyment, the chassis team have refined every single detail that influences a car’s driving properties and fine-tuned the driving experience to offer the most dynamic ride ever seen before on a Volvo.
The all-new S60 range will be available from launch with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine, including an uprated high-performance 3.0-litre T6 petrol version with 304bhp, a 2.4-litre 205bhp D5 and a 2.0-litre 163bhp D3 powerplant. A DRIVe version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with CO2 emissions of approximately 115g/km and fuel economy of up to 65.7mpg (combined cycle, preliminary figure) will join the range later in 2011.
Ford Transit Connect Electric 2011
Ford Motor Company unveiled the Ford Transit Connect Electric at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show and confirmed the zero-emissions small van will be in fleet operators’ hands later in 2010.
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric will use a Force Drive electric powertrain manufactured and integrated by specialty upfitter Azure Dynamics.
“Ford Transit Connect Electric exemplifies how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from the laboratory to the street,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford’s future.”
In addition to the Ford Transit Connect Electric, Ford plans to bring three more electrified vehicles to market by 2012 – the Focus Electric in 2011, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2012 and a next-generation hybrid in 2012.
2011 FORD SHELBY GT500 GOES LIGHTWEIGHT WITH ALUMINUM ENGINE, OFFERS ULTIMATE IN HANDLING
- With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500® with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology
- For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax
- The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2010 – Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.
“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”
The 2010 Matech Ford GT1 unveiled
As early as 2009, before the regulations of the new GT Championship came into force, Matech Concepts started developing a new Ford GT1 based on the prototype fielded in the previous season. On the way to the Portuguese circuit at Portimão, Matech Competition stopped in Spain at the Ascari circuit to perform the roll-out of the new car. With Thomas Mutsch at the wheel, the first metres of the Ford GT1 went according to plan, just as the driver and Martin Bartek had been hoping: “The car is completely new. Not a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same as those of the Ford GT1 from 2009. The roll-out was very promising, and we are confident with regard the forthcoming season.” The next step will be the “balance of performance” at Portimão on 3 and 4 February, followed by further testing at the Alcañiz circuit where a handful of previously selected drivers will take the wheel of the Ford GT1. This first stage will then be concluded by the presentation of the vehicle to the press in Paris on 1 March.
The driver pairings…
To determine the final line-up for the cockpits of the two Ford GT1 cars, Matech Competition has invited seven drivers to participate in a comparative test in a “special” Ford GT3 on the Portimão circuit. In addition to the five men – Mathias Beche, Yann Zimmer, Borja Garcia, Casper Elgaard and Carlo Van Dam – the group also includes two ladies, Natacha Gachnang and Cyndie Allemann. ”Our goal, clearly, is to form two teams that are as strong as possible by giving young drivers, including
women, an opportunity to compete. For these tests, they will be driving one of our Ford GT3 cars on which we have removed the ballast and the air-restrictor so that it will handle in a similar way on the track as the GT1,” explains Martin Bartek. After this initial evaluation, there will be some candidates for further tests, this time in the Ford GT1 at the Motorland circuit near Alcañiz. Jonathan Hirschi and Marc Hennerici will join this test as well.
Dodge Celebrates Four Decades Of Challenger’s Muscle-car Heritage With Limited-edition Furious Fuchsia Models
- 2010 Dodge Challenger Furious Fuchsia editions commemorate 40 years of Dodge muscle-car performance
- Limited-edition Furious Fuchsia exterior answers customers’ desire for the return of more Dodge brand high-impact heritage paint hues
- 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic edition is available in all-new Pearl White performance seats and Bright White A-line body-side R/T stripes
- Dodge Challenger SRT8® Furious Fuchsia edition features unique 20-inch SRT forged aluminum wheels with Satin Black painted pockets, serialized dash plaque, Pearl White leather SRT performance seats with Furious Fuchsia accent stripe and retro-inspired chromed quad exhaust tips
- Limited-production run of Dodge Challenger R/T Classic editions and only 400 Dodge Challenger SRT8 editions in Furious Fuchsia available
Auburn Hills, Mich., Feb 8, 2010 – Two of the wildest and rarest 2010 Dodge Challenger models will soon be available to Dodge fans and collectors to commemorate 40 years of Dodge Challenger performance; the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and Challenger SRT8® Furious Fuchsia editions. With its Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat exterior paint and all-new Pearl White leather performance seats, these limited-edition Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics-unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology-now in one of the most significant hues.
“Commemorating four decades of Challenger performance, the new R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970 to create a modern muscle-car that exudes more performance, passion and even more nostalgia,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President-Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “As an ode to our Dodge fans, these highly collectible models feature all-new Pearl White leather performance seats with Furious Fuchsia accents to deliver a customized, yet contemporary look to the heritage-inspired interior. Sum it all up, and Dodge is delivering a muscle-car tribute that no other manufacturer can even match.”
